FCC votes in favor of adopting net neutrality proposals The Federal Communications Commission voted 3 to 2 in favor of adopting new open Internet, or "net neutrality," rules. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has proposed that the FCC use its Title II authority to implement and enforce open Internet protections, with "bright-line" rules to ban paid prioritization and the blocking and throttling of lawful content and services. However, Wheeler said his proposal will "modernize" Title II, insuring there will be no rate regulation, no tariffs, and no last-mile unbundling. Major Internet Service Providers, including AT&T (T), Comcast (CMCSA), and Verizon (VZ), have opposed FCC Chairman Wheeler's proposals to treat Internet service similar to a utility. Other companies that provide Internet services include Time Warner Cable (TWC), CenturyLink (CTL), DIRECTV (DTV), Cablevision (CVC) and Lumos Networks (LMOS). Netflix (NFLX) has strongly supported open Internet provisions. Cogent Communications (CCOI) and Level 3 Communications (LVLT) are facilities-based providers of Internet access and Internet Protocol communications services that are likely to be impacted by FCC rules on net neutrality.

Cogent increases dividend 3.2% to 32cCogent's board approved a dividend of 32c per common share payable on March 26 to shareholders of record on March 11. The Q1 regular dividend of 32c per share represents an increase of 3.2% from the 4Q14 regular dividend of 31c per share.